Description: A large shell with massive body whorl and small, relatively sharp spire. Surface smooth, slightly shiny, lacking the distinct spiral striae of related species. Despite its size, the shell is rather fragile. Colour pale brown. Common in large water bodies. 35-45 mm.

World Distribution: Found across Europe and Siberia to the Pacific. Also across northern North America. Distribution type: Circumpolar Wide-temperate (66).

Irish Distribution: Common in the central plain and larger river basins but considerably scarcer in the west and extreme north.

Ecology:

• This large species prefers sizeable habitats and relatively still water of larger rivers and lakes
• Mostly found in deeper and harder water than its congeners except the ubiquitous Ampullaceana balthica
• Frequently sold in garden centres and introduced to garden ponds

Key Identification Features:

• A large shell with massive body whorl and much narrower, sharp spire
• Surface smooth, not glossy, with little in the way of growth ridges and only very fine spiral striations, or none

Red list status:

• Least concern (lc).

Distribution Map from NBN: Lymnaea stagnalis at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Lymnaea stagnalis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Lymnaea stagnalis | Classification: Gastropoda, incertae sedis, Lymnaeidae, Lymnaea

Thumbnails for genus Lymnaea